Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) labels provide secure bonding to various types of substrates. How well they function is entirely dependent on selecting the right facestock, topcoat, adhesive and liner combination for your application.
How is a PSA label constructed?
Typically, a label consists of four elements:
1. Facestock: The top layer that houses design and print. Facestocks play an integral role in label performance. Tekra offers a wide range of options depending on your application needs.
For more durable labels that may require outdoor use or longevity:
- Polyester Labels
- Polyimide Labels
- Polycarbonate Labels
- Acrylate Labels
- Aluminum Foil Labels
For labels that are used for economic purposes, or indoors:
- Polyethylene Labels
- Vinyl Labels (Flexible, Semi-rigid, and Cast Vinyl)
- Polystyrene Labels
2. Topcoat: A topcoat may be applied to the facestock to aid in the print receptivity. There are a wide variety of topcoats available, but most are printable with standard screen, offset and UV inkjet inks. Tekra also provides specialty topcoats for HP Indigo and Toner based print methods under our Dura-Go® and ToneKote® lines.
3. Adhesive: The chemistry that allows the label to stick to a surface. Adhesive families include:
- Permanent: A strong bond that does not remove without solvents and likely causing damage to the surface it’s adhered to.
- Repositionable: Allows for temporary adjustment before fully bonding.
- Removable: Can be removed cleanly without damaging the surface it is adhered to. May require a solvent to aid in removal.
- Ultra-Removeable/Low-Tack: Minimal bond strength and can be peeled off easily, often multiple times, without degrading. They cause no damage to the surface they are adhered to.
- Cold-Temperature: Formulated for optimal performance in refrigerated or frozen conditions.
4. Release Liner: A paper or plastic-based film that protects the adhesive until the label is applied. Choosing a liner often depends on how the label will be used during application and processing.
- #50 kraft paper liners are commonly used for roll labels, as they keep the weight and cost down.
- For sheeted labels, #80 or #90 kraft paper liner is the most common choice. The added weight helps keep the material flat while it is printed and die cut.
- For thicker labels or labels that may see a higher moisture environment, a polyester liner may be used to help prevent curl or as a moisture barrier.
- Split-back or scored liners are also used. These liners allow for ease of releasing the label from the liner during application.
Labels are designed to withstand a wide range of environments, including excess handling, high traffic, moisture, UV rays, hot and cold temperature ranges, and chemicals. Choosing the right one can get complicated. Let Tekra help you with our multitude of 3M Durable Labels, privately branded Tekra Label options, and knowledgeable consultative staff!
